Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 40 -Clearly the vast majority of respondents prefer mid-quality accommodations, at the 3 Starrange with 62% of respondents seeking this type of accommodation. Again, there is very littledifference by origin. First class properties and basic accommodations are preferred by asimilar proportion of respondents, 15% - 18% each. The only notable difference in thesepreferences when examined by visitor origin is a slightly higher proportion of Ontario visitorspreferring first class/superior accommodation.With respect to features that are important when staying in accommodation, it is evident thatthe staff are the most important, both with respect to their professional manner andfriendliness, followed by the cleanliness and state of repair of the property. Again, there werevery few differences by origin.The national Canada Select group has also recently completed consumer research addressingconsumer expectations with respect to different types of accommodations at different starlevels. This research is still preliminary and is being reviewed to assess its implications onthe Canada Select program. It is unlikely to be released until sometime during the summer of2004.Most of the literature available on the accommodation sector deals with trends in the urbanhotel or resorts product with limited material on the bed and breakfasts and inn sector.Hotelso In 2001, Best Western International undertook major consumer research to ask travelagents and customers what was most important to hotel guests. Based on the findings,they created new global standards for amenities and services for Best Western Hotels,including:- Continental or hot breakfast available on-site- Data port connection in all guest rooms- Free long distance access and free local calls under 30minutes- Coffee/tea maker in all rooms- Iron and board in all guest rooms- Hair dryer in all guest rooms- 50% minimum of rooms designated non-smoking- Complimentary toiletries available on request- Bottled or canned water available on site, 24 hours a day- Photocopy facilities available on site during normal business hours- King size beds in a minimum of 10% of rooms- Clock in all guest rooms- Music in all guest rooms- Shampoo in a bottle, no packetso Another source cites the following favourite amenities for business and leisure travellers,in order of priority:THE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study